Special Request Programs
Our volunteers and staff are ready to take your group on a journey of discovery. Submit a request to start exploring the wonders of Larimer County.
Observation deepens the connection to nature and place.
Guided Hike
- Locations: Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Devil's Backbone Open Space, other open spaces upon request (may depend on group size)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 2-3 miles
- Any age
Participants will:
- Learn Leave No Trace principles and how you can be a good steward of our natural resources.
- Explore the life zones of Larimer County.
- Uncover the secret life of wildlife by looking for signs.
- Discover native plants and their amazing adaptations to this dry climate.
- Go on a color scavenger hunt.
- Hear nature in a new way with a silent hike or create a sound map.
- Take a micro hike and see the world from the perspective of an insect.
- Journey into the makings of habitat and the connections within an ecosystem.
- Explore the impacts of wildfire on the environment.
- Discover the rare aquatic communities and their importance in the ecosystem.
- Learn local history.
Observing Nature's Wonders includes the topics and activities listed above. It can be tailored to your group or topics covered may depend on the Naturalist.
If you have interest in a specific topic, we are open to discussion. Our Naturalists lead programs on geology, wildlife, plants, local history and more! Write a suggestion in your request form and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
FAQs
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We welcome groups no larger than 60 people. Groups will be split into 2-4 smaller groups of 15 or less participants each with their own Naturalist.
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Most special request guided hikes are 2-3 miles. This distance may vary depending on the location and trail.
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Available locations and trails are listed below. You'll select your preference when you submit a request form.
- Devil's Backbone Open Space
- Wild Loop Trail (2.1 miles, easy to moderate)
- Not recommended in July - August; no shade on trail
- Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
- Horsetooth Falls Trail (2.2 miles, moderate, out & back)
- Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail (3.1 miles, moderate)
- Ramsay-Shockey Open Space
- Shoshone Trail (2.5 miles, moderate)
- parking is limited, not recommended for large buses
- Hermit Park Open Space
- Kruger Rock Trail (1.7 miles, moderate)
- Homestead Meadows Trail (1.5+ miles, moderate)
- Eagle's Nest Open Space
- Red Mountain Open Space
- Bent Rock Trail (3.1 miles, moderate - hard)
- group size is limited to small groups of 12 participants
- River Bluffs Open Space
- Poudre River Trail (1 mile, easy)
- accessible paved trail
- parking is limited, not recommended for large school buses
- Lions Open Space
- Pleasant Valley Trail (1 mile, easy)
- accessible paved trail
Check Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) at https://trails.colorado.gov/ for the most up-to-date trail conditions, closures, and alerts.
- Devil's Backbone Open Space
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Most programs are about 3 hours in length. We include time for lunch and can adjust the time if needed.
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It depends on the time of year and location. March through October programs are typically scheduled on weekdays starting at 9:00 am or 3:00 pm. We try to avoid high visitation periods as parking can be limited. Some locations see less visitation and therefore may have more flexibility. October through April programs are scheduled Monday - Saturday at any time.
When we receive your request, we'll work with you to find the best date & time for your group.
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Yes. Naturalists can lead hikes on geology, wildlife, native plants, habitats, local history, responsible recreation and more! Suggest a topic in your request form and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
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No. We welcome anyone who has a desire to learn! We can do special requests for scout troops, homeschools, youth groups, meet-ups, senior centers, social clubs, recreation clubs, summer camps, community group, schools, etc.
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We welcome participants with special needs to our programs. Please let us know how we can best prepare by including this information in the Special Accommodations section of the request form. We ask that an aide or assistant, who is familiar with the participant, accompanies them to the program.
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No. We can do Naturalist led talks at a single location such as a picnic pavilion or in a classroom if a hike is not a good option for your group. You can include additional information on the request form that will guide us in providing the appropriate setting for the program.
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We require at least two weeks advanced notice. On the request form, you'll see available dates. Selecting an alternative date provides us with flexibility.
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Submit a Special Request Guided Hike form in Offero. You'll need to create an account; your name, phone number and email are all that is required.
Once we receive your request, we'll be in contact to discuss details and/or confirm the date. If you have questions, contact Julie Enderby at 970-619-4552 or jenderby@larimer.org
Contact Us
Julie Enderby
Education and Volunteer Supervisor
jenderby@larimer.org
(970) 619-4552